How to survive living in NYC if you’re from the PNW

Embrace the $1 pizza, Rockaway Beach and the best holiday celebrations in the world


From birth until 18, I lived in the Seattle area. Two years ago, I moved to New York City. Even after living abroad for two years, New York City gave me the biggest culture shock.

For that reason, I believe it may be helpful for anyone out there who, like me, felt lost upon arrival to the Big Apple to have a few points of guidance.

You’ll have to redefine “nature”

It’s referred to as the “Concrete Jungle” for a reason. One of my biggest challenges was finding green spaces that weren’t completely filled with other people or looked very man-made.

However, I was surprised by how many large parks, besides Central Park, that the city has to offer. Take a few days to get to know and explore them. There are a surprising amount of beautiful hidden areas where you can really feel momentarily lost in the greenery.

One of my favorites is Riverside Park which stretches along the western side of the island.

Otherwise, I figured out how to have planned time outside of the city. Just last winter, I joined my school’s ski team and I couldn’t be happier to have an excuse to go into the mountains every weekend.

If skiing is your thing, there are some great places across the northeast but get ready for lots of ice and spring skiing – powder is a long forgotten dream of the west.

Don’t worry, you’ll still have beaches and you can enjoy them earlier in the season

New York summers are hot and humid but one of the best ways to get out of the heat of the city is going to Rockaway Beach in Queens. Transportation is easy since the A train  takes you all the way there.

It’s still technically within the New York City limits and yet it feels like you’re in a small beach town like Seaside.

Otherwise, for a longer trip, there are trains that run through Long Island and the Hamptons for anyone who wants to get away for the weekend.

If you miss the fact that the Northwest has never really left the 90s, there are a few great 90s cover bands to check out

The Bayside Tigers play every Friday in Websterhall. You can also get free entry and drink specials if you just add your name to the list on their website.

Hot dogs are good in NYC, but cream cheese isn’t standard. Make the switch to dollar pizza

There is tons of great street food in New York but one of the cheap classics in the city is $1 pizza. They’re also usually delicious.

However, you definitely have to check out Bleaker Street Pizza and Artichoke Pizza, both are New York staples.

Spend time in Brooklyn, it’s the place that feels closest to the culture of the great Northwest

I don’t live in Brooklyn unfortunately but it’s usually a pretty easy subway trip from almost anywhere in the city. The buildings are smaller and less overwhelming but the best part is the people. The classic Northwestern bearded, hipster will feel right at home. Plus, there are tons of great live music venues and incredible street art.

For Seahawks fans, Carlow East will be your new favorite bar

Tucked in the Upper East Side is a small bar where all football loving Seattlites gather. Again, cheap drink prices and a crowd that will make you feel right at home. I even met a few people from my home town there so you might too!

Explore rooftops

One of the unique things about living in a city with so many buildings, there are rooftops everywhere. Many New Yorkers have learned to incorporate rooftops into green spaces.

If your building allows it, it maybe an efficient use of space if you crave having a garden but now must live in an apartment.

There are also tons of rooftop clubs and bars across the city which really give you a new perspective on urban beauty.

Explore older buildings

Much of the Pacific Northwest’s largest cities are less than 150 years old. With New York’s rich history, you can find a surprising amount of buildings that can give you a glimpse into another era or make you feel like you’re abroad.

Saint John the Divine in Morningside Heights is one of the largest in the world and the Gothic revival design will make you feel like you’re in Western Europe.

Embrace eccentricity

New York boasts tons of crazy festivals and annual events that you can’t find anywhere else. Holidays are also taken to the next level. Halloween in New York City makes every other cities’ celebration look pretty lame.

There’s a night parade and extremely detailed costumes which make you feel like you’ve just met some of your favorite movie characters.

Anywhere you move, there are things that necessitate an open mind. In New York City, there are so many unique and exciting experiences that you just can’t get anywhere else.

Even if you miss the endless forests, mountains, rainy coffee season, snow days (things don’t shut down in the city after two inches of snow, sorry) and backyard bonfires, with an open heart and mind you will find beautiful people, things and places in the city that really do make it start feeling like home.